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New York Times bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver delivers a collection of 12 original tales in Homeland and Other Stories that are every bit as emotionally resonant, humorous, and heartfelt as her much-beloved novels. In settings ranging from eastern Kentucky to northern California and the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Barbara Kingsolver uses her distinctive voice and vast knowledge of human nature to address some of her favorite themes: the importance of personal and cultural heritage; how the past effects the present and the enduring power of love. Kingsolver's characters, many single mothers, struggle to make sense of their lives and find meaning in a difficult world. Praised for her memorable characters and poetic prose, Kingsolver again proves why she is a literary force to be reckoned with. This edition includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.… (more)
User reviews
"Homeland" was great: told by a young girl, remembering her Indian
"Bereaved Apartments" is a good study of what dishonesties we are willing to close our eyes to, and a sympathetic portrait of an ex-con young woman.
"Jump-Up Day" is an interesting story about an orphan in the Caribbean who meets up with an obeah man.u
"Why I Am A Danger To The Public" tells of a woman strike leader, and how the corporation treats the workers with contempt.
The settings and characters are compelling; for anyone who enjoys dwelling on the tawdry, mundane, dreary nature of life, these stories will not disappoint. Here is a run-down of my reactions to each story.
"Homeland" - Short, sweet, no answers, and yet it felt complete somehow.
"Blueprint" - Hmmm, so is this the way of all the stories? Rather depressing and up in the air? One, yes. Two, maybe. A pattern, no.
"Covered Bridges" - Ok, a respite from despondency. She is very good at describing places.
"Quality Time" - Eh, meh, Kinda boring.
"Stone Dreams" - Such beautiful scenery descriptions, and no moral depth at all in the characters.
"Survival Zones" - Now this one is interesting. I like it, although it isn't exactly uplifting or complete, there is much to be said between the lines.
"Islands on the Moon" - Painful character.
"Bereaved Apartments" - Good story. Why are they all such downers?
"Extinctions" - Whatever. Dreary.
"Jump-up-Day" - These stories all seem to want me to feel that they have resolved well, but they leave me empty, not full.
"Rose-Johnny" - More sad.
"Why I am a Danger to the Public" Meh. Skimmed, but couldn't handle one more downer.
From the title story, in which a young girl travels with her family to
This collection is well worth tracking down. Highly recommended.